Three days had passed since the hunt, and the Cradle hadn''t slowed.


    The threat of the fog-tainted bear was resolved, but it just felt like every time they put out a fire another would appear in its place at this point. But the story of its death lingered. People were talking—about the fight, about the danger, about Camila’s wind-fueled assault and Alex’s flaming strike. Gossip is all people had for entertainment now, that and the stories they are hearing from successful hunts. Some romances started to crop up as well, as people started to truly set into routine, acceptance.


    Alex sat on a wide stone near the eastern fence, hands outstretched, palms slowly cycling chakra. The surface of the rock steamed faintly. He exhaled, drew a long breath, and formed a seal.


    Three small projectiles of flame burst from his mouth, scattering across the training ring with a light hiss as they collided with damp straw dummies.


    “Damn man,” Wren muttered from nearby, arms crossed. “we’ll just sit back and let you deal with any threats now”


    “Ha, can’t wait” Alex stood, wiping sweat from his brow.


    “You want to spar?” Yusuf called as he jogged by, shirtless and still bruised.


    “Nah man, I need a brake”


    He’d used his gathered points purchasing <b>Phoenix Sage Fire Jutsu</b> and <b>Water Clone Technique</b>. The clones were shaky, half-formed things that barely lasted a minute, but they were progress. His practice for control with the Chakra control techniques has been a massive success, progressing nicely with the Jutsu’s he had bought. His next targets, Sharingan for definite, well that and a boost to the amount of chakra he has.


    Nearby, Camila sat cross-legged under a tree, a shallow crater of wind and dirt around her. Her magic pulsed gently—less volatile than before. Her control had visibly improved since expanding her reserves. She no longer needed to strain just to shape a gust or grind stone into jagged shards. She could do both now, and more.


    “I swear she’s glowing,” Ellie murmured to Grace as they walked by with a pile of cloths from the med tent.


    “She’s terrifying,” Grace replied. “And I love her.”


    “Buying that magic expansion has sped up her training significantly. We’re gonna be left in the dust.”


    David passed them both, heading toward the western watch post with Roger and Raj. All three now wore Tactical Marine Coats. Patrols had been doubled again after a few strange sounds at night: rustling with no wind, footsteps with no source. Nothing had emerged since the bear, but no one wanted to be caught off guard again. Typical hunt for goblins and even a hobgoblins had occurred, but nothing of particular note, Camila is becoming a force unto her own, she had killed 7 goblins and a hobgoblin on her own. Though she was pushed to share the sacrifices with others, seeing as how strong she already is. Politics.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Callum, as usual, was nowhere useful. But was playing his hand, there was still many not with a path chosen, and he had learnt he could manipulate them.


    Jake sat by the Obelisk, updating two lists. One was the current tally of survivors who had unlocked powers. The other was smaller—but growing. New sacrifices, minor and large. Some had brought beetles. One woman, Cara, had offered a fresh kill from a solo squirrel hunt. Five points here. Two points there. Enough to push some people over the edge.


    One of them had already taken the plunge.


    “Stephan finally chose a path,” Jake said that evening around the fire.


    “Really?” Miriam asked, stirring a pot of roots and dried mushrooms.


    “Yeah. Naruto path. Said he’s tired of hiding and wants chakra.”


    “Good.” David said.


    “He’s got, what, twenty points saved?” Grace asked.


    “Roughly. Maybe more.” Jake flipped through his notes. “I think he might pick Chakra tomorrow.”


    Li approached with a makeshift crate of herbal poultices, catching the tail end of the conversation. “About time. Half this camp’s still waiting for someone else to protect them.”


    Jake gave her a flat look. “Not everyone’s ready.”


    “I wasn’t ready,” Li said. “But I picked a path. I’m still learning. So should they.”


    Camila stood and stretched, her arms arching overhead. “Maybe it’s time we organize another group hunt. Something medium-risk. We need more points flowing.”


    “You’ve heard then” Jake asked


    “Yep, what. 5 more devil fruits have been obtained, and I’ve just checked the Obelisk. Someone claimed Fire Dragon Slaying Magic”


    “Fucks sake, so what. It’s down to one then?”


    “Yeah, 150 points. I wonder how they got that much.”


    The mention of the other groups growing made everyone shut up, it was a tough topic. Many was hoping to make contact, safety in numbers and all. But others felt a danger from these groups, that they must be viewed with caution.


    “So ill add that to the list then. The falcon fruit, leopard fruit, bear fruit, the weapon body fruit, the wax fruit as well as the jackal and now a top tier magic. At least Logia’s haven’t been claimed yet”


    “So, tomorrow then?” Ellie asked. “Another expedition?”


    “I’ll plan it tonight,” Camila said. “Maybe bring Matt and Becca. They’ve both been training.”


    <hr>


    As night fell, the Cradle settled into the closest thing it had to rest. It was looking like a shanty town with all the makeshift shelters, lit by torches. People gathered in small clusters, sharing food and whispered stories. A few practiced quietly at the edge of the clearing—Li shifting her face into different forms; Travis meditating under a tree, aura thin but present; Harper pacing with her spear, Reiatsu low and stable.


    In the distance, a faint call of some nocturnal bird echoed. No fog. No monsters.


    But the fear hadn’t left.


    It had just grown quieter.


    Jake wrote the night’s log, as always.


    <b>Confirmed Survivors: 72</b>


    <b>New Path-Takers: 4 (Stephan – Naruto, Amy – Fairy Tail, Dave – One Piece, Astrid – One piece)</b>


    <b>Alex: Phoenix Fire Jutsu (10), Water Clone Technique (4)</b>


    <b>Cradle Status: Holding</b>


    <b>Next Objectives: Continue point acquisition. Prepare for high-value sacrifices. Encourage more path selections.</b>


    And at the bottom:


    <b>The year is moving. The Obelisk won’t last forever.</b>